#Kathua District

[mybeingthere]

Bakarwal blankets: this pastoralist community makes them using wool from their animals. It has become almost impossible to continue with this beautiful and essential craft. Ritayan Mukherjee reports:

The woollen blankets are made by members of Scheduled Tribe communities – Megh and Mihngh, known for their wool craftsmanship. Once the blankets are made, they are washed and dried by the Bakarwal men. The thread and yarn for the blankets are usually made by Bakarwal women, and the yarn is dyed at home by Bakarwal families.

Mohammed Kalu has come from Khanna Chargal, a small settlement in a riverbed upstream from Pargalta. Pointing towards an old woollen blanket on which his little son is asleep he says, “[The blanket] lives as long as a human being or longer. But the market-bought acrylic wool blankets hardly last a few years.

He adds that blankets made of pachim (the local word for acrylic wool) take days to dry if they get wet, unlike pure woollen blankets. “Our feet burn and body aches after using the acrylic blankets in winter”.

“I can look at a quilt and tell you which family it comes from,” says Zareena Begum who lives in the same settlement as Talab Hussain.

“It is difficult to get people who still have mills,” says Maaz Khan. In his sixties, Khan is from a family that still processes wool. Many in the community say that the charkha (spinning wheel) is dead and have given up spinning.

As a result, pastoralists are also finding it difficult to sell wool. “We used to get at least 120-220 [rupees] for a kilogram but now we get nothing. A decade or so ago even the goat hair had a price in the market; now even sheep wool has no buyers,” says Mohammad Talib, a Bakarwal from tehsil Basohli, in Kathua district. The unused wool lies in their storerooms or is discarded at the shearing spot. The number of artisans working with wool has also reduced.

Maintaining a herd of animals for their wool is no longer easy as grazing grounds are scarce in and around Jammu. They also have to pay people whose land their animals graze on.

Recently a lot of areas around the villages in Samba district were taken over by invasive species, Lantana camara. “We can’t graze here. There are weeds everywhere,” says Munabbar Ali, resident of a small village in Basohli tehsil .

Many of the old breeds of animals have been replaced by the state and Bakarwal’s say that the current cross-bred sheep cannot stand the heat of the plains for too long, and neither can they navigate mountain paths, “When we migrate to Kashmir, they stop in their tracks if there is a small ledge as it is difficult for them to jump. The old breed would walk well,” Tahir Raza a shepherd told us.

https://ruralindiaonline.org/.../bakarwal-blankets-out.../

[newsfrom-theworld]

The Jammu Genocide

The Jammu Genocide refers to the period in Autumn 1947 where an estimate of over 200-250 thousand Muslims in the Jammu region by paramilitaries such as RSS Hari Singh ( the man in the picture) .

Around April 1947, RSS + other extremist paramilitaries began plans for Muslim genocide.

Following this, the Maharaja visited Jammu province but there would be no Muslim officers in the touring. Days later, he visits Rawalakot, but he would visit Hindus in the area not Muslims.

Upon return, he created new units, made of of Dogra's and Gurkha's and banned meetings of 5+ people.

He would also demand Muslims surrender their weapons...WHILE those weapons were redistributed to non-Muslims. Hari Singh viewed it as necessary for the Dogra's planned genocide.

Worth noting 60,000 from his state fought in WW2 (from the Sudhan tribe, for the British army.) and got kindly 'repaid' by disarmament and rejection from the Maharaja's army.

In August the British Raj would be partitioned on the basis of religious demographic, by this time Dogra's and Mahajan's would be desperate to exterminate Muslims and make the territory Hindu.

Many Hindu and Sikh refugees would temporarily reside in Jammu and would give highly exaggerated accounts of suffering, serving as propaganda to get a good amount of the population on board, including the refugees who had arrived recently at Jammu. These two events together would lead to a plan to exterminate Jammu's Muslim population.

October 1947, the genocide planned out for months would begin in Bhimber tehsil, with attacks beginning with the slogan "Jai Maharaj." A common tactic was the arson of houses, this happened in 4 villages. In Kotli tehsil similar events would unfold in villages. Many would die

1 day later, a massacre would take place at Akhnoor bridge. 15k Muslims from Akhnoor and nearby would be forced to leave for Pakistan through the bridge, but Dogra soldiers opened fire killing masses of them.

Many claiming the killing was so bad blood was flowing on the bridge.

On the same day, a massacre would take place in Kathua district, with a considerable death toll of over 8000. It is claimed that women and children were not spared from these massacres and were killed to.

Only 100 of these 8000 would actually survive the massacre.

Another massacre would take place in Sambha, with Hindu & Sikh soldiers sieging it, containing 14k Muslims. Soldiers would cut rations and water.

The Maharaja would visit & after women were taken by state soldiers & men were slaughtered.

15 would survive, fleeing to Sialkot.

It's not over. Another massacre happened at Miran Sahib, where about 25k Muslims were SUPPOSED to be evacuated to Pakistan. As it was happening Dogra troops took away belongings and the women. Men were made to line up and be shot by machine guns.

100 survived, hiding in fields.

During November, the Maharaja demanded all Muslims leave the state, lying that Pakistan had asked for them.

They assembled at the parade ground thinking they would be sent to Suchetgarh but the convoy went to Kathua road and they were also massacred. 8000 were killed over 4 days.

As mentioned earlier, aside from the massacres, the abduction of women also took place.

These especially happened in Jammu, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur. The number of abductions is estimated at 25k

This would all lead to mass migration of Jammu Muslims to Sialkot, Pakistan due to its closeness and a pre-established road and railway connection.

Some also went due to previous financial and familial ties to the city.

It is worth noting throughout this that the goal of the genocide was for Dogra's + RSS to take advantage of the partition's religious majority criteria (making it Hindu majority) to get accession to go one way.

This demographic idea is still used now through settler colonialism.

This website covers the genocide in more depth.

A memorial page is also under construction.

[tfgadgets]

After 2 Terrorists In J&K's Kathua, 3 More Shot Dead In Baramulla

The encounter broke out in the Pattan area of the north Kashmir district late Friday Srinagar: Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district this morning, sources said. The gunfight began in the Chak Taper Kreeri in the Pattan area of the north Kashmir district late Friday after a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and…

[kimskashmir]

Police release sketches of 4 militants in Kathua, announces Rs 20 lakh reward

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of four militants spotted in ‘dhoks’ (mud-houses) in Kathua district and announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for credible information on them. In a post on X, J&K Police released sketches of four militants who were last seen in ‘dhoks’ of Malhar, Bani and Seojdhar forests in the upper reaches of the district. “…a reward of Rs 5…

[jehlumjk]

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE KATHUA ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE NO 524 OF 2024

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE KATHUA ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE NO 524 OF 2024. ______________________________________________   Disclaimer:-   We, at Jehlum, only post jobs/scholarship updates on behalf of employers/universities. We are only advertisers and as such, we DO NOT know anything about these updates apart from whatever you find in the description of these posts on our website. Our…

[novumtimes]

Security forces conduct search operations in Jammu Doda Reasi districts

File photo Jammu, Jul 15 : Security forces conducted search operations in Jammu, Doda and Reasi districts on Monday following information about some suspicious movements, officials said.A joint operation by police and CRPF personnel was carried out at Lower Gharota, Thathi and adjoining areas in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu early on Monday after a villager reported suspicious movement of three persons in combat attire, the officials said.However, nothing suspicious was found during the searches that lasted for more than two hours, they said.At the Koti forest area in Doda district, the police, assisted by the Army, launched a cordon and search operation around 9.30 am following information about the presence of terrorists.The combing operation is underway but no contact has been established with terrorists so far, the officials said.They said security forces also conducted searches at Rumbal Nallah Kothian, Pouni, Dera Babbar, Kundle and Kanjli area of Reasi district on Monday morning.The Jammu region has recently seen a surge in terror incidents, particularly in border districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Reasi. Attacks on an IAF convoy, a pilgrim bus and the recent killing of soldiers in Kathua highlight the evolving threat. (Agencies) Source link via The Novum Times

[worldstrend]

Kathua Attack: Eyewitness shares horrific ordeal, says there were around 8-9 terrorists

Five soldiers were killed and several were injured after terrorists attacked army vehicles in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on July 08. One of the eyewitnesses shared the horrific ordeal of the terror attack and shared the sequence of what had happened. He said that for around 2.5 hours, heavy firing happened between the security forces and terrorists. Further, he added that there were around 8-9 terrorists who came for attack and opened fire on both the army vehicles at the same time.

FULL VIDEO

[bhaskarlive]

Four army soldiers killed, 6 injured in Kathua terror attack

Four army soldiers were killed and six others injured on Monday when terrorists attacked an army convoy in J&K’s Kathua district.

Officials said the terrorists threw a grenade and then opened automatic fire on army vehicles that were on routine patrol duty on Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road at 3.30 pm in Kathua district today.

“The attack by terrorists occurred near Badnota village, which is 150 Kms away from Kathua town”, officials said. Earlier, officials had said the place of the terrorist attack was 52 kms away from Kathua town.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[mybharatguru]

The number of soldiers killed in the attack by terrorists in Jammu rises to 5…

The number of soldiers killed in the terrorist attack in Jammu has increased to 5. An Indian Army vehicle was patrolling in Maschedi area of ​​Jammu’s Kathua district yesterday evening. Terrorists attacked an army vehicle while it was moving in a hilly area. The terrorists who were lurking in the hills hurled grenades and fired at the army vehicle. The security forces also retaliated to this…

[taaza-khabar]

J&K sees fourth militant attack since Sunday as gunbattle breaks out in Doda; Kathua encounter ends, two militants and CRPF jawan killed

Both slain militants were believed to have entered Jammu & Kashmir recently through the Hiranagar sector from across the International Border with Pakistan. An overnight gunbattle in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district ended Wednesday after a second militant who was holed up in a village was killed and a CRPF jawan lost his life, police said. Hours later, in Doda district’s Kota Top area near…

[mithilatoday]

J&K: Second Terrorist Attack in Two Days – One Killed in Hiranagar, Kathua

Kathua, Srinagar, June 4, 2024 – Terrorists opened fire in the Hiranagar area of Kathua district on Monday evening. Security forces swiftly responded to the attack, resulting in the death of one terrorist. This incident marks the second terrorist attack in Kathua in as many days, raising concerns over the escalating violence in the region. The attack occurred around 7:30 PM when heavily armed…

[faisul]

Bridging the Gap?

Drowning in Neglect

By Faisul Yaseen

Life in Kashmir can be difficult, and it is important not to lose sight of the challenges people face daily. 

A major concern within Jammu and Kashmir is the neglect and tragedy associated with critical infrastructure projects like bridges.

It might seem hard to believe, but the Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Fund Corporation (JKIDFC) has sanctioned funding for 622 unfinished projects worth Rs 1446.73 crore. 

But here’s the kicker: they’re all stuck! 

And get this: These schemes are scattered across all 20 districts of J&K. At least 15 bridges and seven pedestrian bridges have been left unfinished for years and need major repairs.

Recent incidents of boat capsizing in Gandbal in the Srinagar district and Awantipora in Pulwama district have highlighted the serious ramifications of the J&K government’s inability to complete important bridges in the region.

Lives have been lost, families are torn apart, and communities are left to mourn after broken promises.

Six people died in the fatal boat accident near Gandbal.

Two more persons went missing in the Awantipora boat capsize.

It was a sobering reminder of bureaucratic incompetence and government apathy.

The incomplete bridge over the River Jhelum for nearly a decade is seen as a sign of impending doom, forcing villagers to risk their lives on dangerous boat journeys.

The failure of the government to prioritise the security of the people and their welfare left deep holes in the lives of the people of Kashmir.

Suhail Ahmad, a resident of Gandbal, shared the woes of countless Kashmiris who suffer because of governance inefficiency.

His words reflected the stark reality that lives could have been saved if the government had heeded the call for timely infrastructure construction.

Despite such loss and shock, the government’s response shows that it is not worried.

The decision to resume work on the Gandabal Bridge is primarily motivated by public noise and media scrutiny and is a gesture rather than a genuine concern for public welfare.

Given years of established and broken contracts, diplomatic guarantees appear to be neutral. 

Increasing the size of the project will not alleviate the suffering of those who ultimately paid for the strikers.

Another stark example of an important bridge project standing for a remarkable 17 years is the situation at Dogripora. 

Muhammad Ali and Intisar Ahmed expressed their frustration at the lack of progress in an era of technological progress. 

They praise those without lifelines, who are forced to cross the dangerous rivers, rivulets, and fast-flowing streams.

The unfinished bridges and road projects in Jammu and Kashmir from Shopian to Samba, Ramban to Reasi, Baramulla to Budgam, and Kupwara to Kathua are symptoms of governance inefficiency and government apathy.

This is a stark contrast to the fact that between the 15th century and 18th century, Srinagar, situated on both banks of the River Jhelum, was way ahead in terms of the construction of bridges.

With seven prominent bridges – Aali Kadal (built in 1415 CE by Sultan Ali Shah also known as Ali Shahmiri), Zaina Kadal (built in 1425-1426 CE by Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin), Fateh Kadal (built in 1500 CE by Sultan Fateh Shah), Habba Kadal (built in 1551 by Sultan Habib Shah), Nawa Kadal (Built in 1666 by Nuruddin Bamzai), Safa Kadal (built in 1671 by Saif Khan), and Amira Kadal (built in 1774 CE by Amiruddin Khan Jawan Sher) – Srinagar came to be known as the ‘City of Bridges’ or the ‘City of Seven Bridges’. 

Over the years, five more bridges Zero Bridge, Abdullah Bridge, Budshah Kadal, New Zaina Kadal, and New Habba Kadal also came up on the River Jhelum in Srinagar in addition to footbridges near Presentation Convent and S P S Museum.

However, in the era of fast-track development, people are condemned to live a life full of misery and hardship while the government spends money on mundane demonstrations of progress like selfie points and infrastructure projects that are constantly delayed.

J&K needs to address infrastructure problems as families cope with avoidable tragedy.

Funds from JKIDFC, meant to be a panacea for stalled projects, continue to fall on deferral and adequacy.

The government has run out of excuses. 

Every bridge not built and every promise broken shows how the government has betrayed the trust of the people and failed to fulfil its responsibilities.

Until the J&K administration puts the safety and welfare of its people ahead of political gains and bureaucratic red tape, Kashmir’s bridges and roads will remain incomplete and its people imprisoned to endless frustration.

Greater Kashmir

[tfgadgets]

Searches after suspicious border movements amid Kathua hunt | India News

JAMMU: Security forces launched on Friday search operations in Jammu’s Akhnoor and Ramkot- Billawer of Kathua district after locals reported suspicious movements along the border with Pakistan, officials said. The pockets have been on high alert with forces asking people to share details of suspected movements after the July 8 Kathua ambush by terrorists on an army patrol in which five troopers…

[kimskashmir]

Kathua attack: Two Jaish associates arrested

JAMMU — The J&K Police on Thursday claimed a breakthrough in the Kathua militant attack by arresting two Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) associates who facilitated the militant attack. Police sources said that two JeM associates have been arrested from the hilly area of Kathua district. Sustained questioning of these two militant associates is likely to lead to more arrests of the persons involved in…

[jehlumjk]

DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER KATHUA ATMA SCHEME ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE 2024

DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER KATHUA ATMA SCHEME ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE 2024. ______________________________________________   Disclaimer:-   We, at Jehlum, only post jobs/scholarship updates on behalf of employers/universities. We are only advertisers and as such, we DO NOT know anything about these updates apart from whatever you find in the description of these posts on our website. Our…